Always up to Something: Julian Schlumpf
(FIFA Master 25th edition)
Typically, the phrase “he’s always up to something” carries a negative connotation. Not for Switzerland-born Julian Schlumpf. “I always wanted to go outside, play somewhere, walk around, just do something,” he says. From taking up Spanish lessons to earning his referee certification to now pursuing the FIFA Master, Julian’s adventures have always been driven by a natural curiosity to learn and understand.
Growing up in Basel, Julian’s love for sports began with handball. “My first connection to sport was playing handball because some of my friends played.” He quickly excelled, competing at a high level and even travelling abroad for matches. Despite his talent, his heart belonged to football. “I always preferred football, especially because it was a better environment for me to be with my friends.”
With football, however, came an unshakable competitive streak. “I was terrible at losing. I always wanted to win, no matter what. And when I lost, I found it very difficult.” Julian’s determination to succeed was clear from a young age, but so was his need to learn how to channel that competitive spirit in a constructive way – something that would become crucial in future pursuits.
Whether handball or football, sports weren’t just a pastime for Julian. The discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking he developed on the field and court would later influence his career choices. Initially drawn to law, he quickly realized that, while he admired the profession, the rigid path to becoming a lawyer didn’t suit him. “I had always wanted to become a lawyer. But after about half a year, I realized that, while I would like to be a lawyer, I didn’t enjoy the way to become one and, more importantly, I missed math and tackling economics and business-focused questions.”
Instead, he found his interests better aligned with business and finance, leading him to pivot towards a career that blended both. Over the next few years, Julian balanced a part-time career at UBS with his studies in business administration. This dual experience gave him an edge over his peers, allowing him to apply classroom theories to actual business scenarios in real time. “It was helpful to understand what really matters when you are working and also what is useful to know but not mandatory.”
Julian’s curiosity didn’t stop there; it extended to the world around him. His love for new experiences took him beyond Switzerland, immersing him in different cultures and shaping his approach to life and work. Whether it was a two-week student exchange trip to Boston (“That was one of the two best weeks in my life,”), visiting Thailand (“Going to Thailand for three and a half weeks by myself really opened my eyes about travelling and how it can teach you life lessons,”), or a semester abroad in Mexico (“In Mexico, I realized that it’s not always so important to be on time or to plan everything far in advance. Sometimes it’s okay to take things as they come,”), each of these experiences taught him the value of embracing different ways of thinking – lessons that continue to serve him today.
Julian’s curiosity wasn’t limited to travelling; he also sought new perspectives within the sport he loved. Becoming a referee allowed him to see football through a different lens. “I had the feeling that when I was playing, the refs knew the rules pretty well, but what they didn’t do well was handling situations with players. I thought I could do that better.”
Officiating matches taught him how to quickly and confidently manage high-pressure situations. “On the pitch, it’s one against 22, sometimes against 24 with the coaches,” he reasons. “I knew I would eventually be in other positions at the later stage in my life where it would help me to stay calm and to focus on my decision.”
His journey as a referee started as a way to experience football from a new angle. That desire to see the game differently led to unexpected opportunities: becoming a stadium guide for FC Basel, his favorite club, as well as earning a role helping to organize cup games for a local football club. These responsibilities offered yet another fresh perspective, shifting his focus from the action on the pitch to the business and operations that go on behind the scenes. What began as a curiosity-driven challenge ultimately provided him with a deeper understanding of the industry and his future in it.
As Julian deepened his involvement in football operations, including working at EURO2024 in Munich, he found himself drawn closer to the intersection of his passion and professional ambitions. “At some point, I felt like it would be nice to be involved in a big sports project like the Euros or the World Cup.” This led him to discover the FIFA Master. “I talked to some people who had done it, and their feedback was very positive.”
Unsurprisingly, Julian envisions his future in the international sports industry, a space that aligns perfectly with the foundation he has built throughout his life. His insatiable curiosity has driven him to explore new cultures, industries, and perspectives, so a globally connected career is a natural next step.
At this stage, Julian isn’t just looking for a job. He’s looking for his next adventure, his next opportunity to grow. “Even though I don’t know where I’ll be, I know what’s important to me – and that’s to work for an organization that pushes me to think differently and that also embraces new ideas.” Given his lifelong pursuit of new challenges, it’s only fitting that his next move will take him somewhere dynamic.
After all, Julian has never been one to stand still. Whether on the pitch, in the classroom, or halfway across the world, he’s always up to something.
By Geneva Decker
FIFA Master 25th edition student
FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked Europe's No.1 course a record 12 times by SportBusiness.
Organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).
